MANCHESTER City humanoid Carlos Tevez has revealed that he lives off a diet consisting mainly of rodents and household pets.

The striker, who has been linked to a number of missing pet scandals, confirmed the news while relaxing under a local bridge.

He said: “I was raised in a dungeon, where my only company were rats, mice and a FIFA affiliated soccer coach called Rolando.”

When asked to elaborate on his upbringing, or indeed his unusual diet, Tevez confirmed, through a series of shrieks and hand gestures, that they were the only words he could speak.

A source close to the player said: “He is dangerous, run for your life.”

Manchester City released a statement insisting that they find the Argentinian’s eccentric behaviour adorable and quaint.

“We control Carlos through a strict diet of brown rice, steamed vegetables and £250,000-a-week. Of course, we sometimes buy him a rescue dog from the pound; skin it and feed it to him raw. We just think it’s so cute and funny.”

In response to accusations that Tevez may be a danger to other players or members of staff, the club retorted: “Any rumours that Carlos once ate the toe of another player is a complete fabrication.”